Mark Lazarus Leaving Turner, Contemplates Return To Sports

By John Ourand, Staff Writer

Lazarus Leaving Turner Entertainment Group

Mark Lazarus is leaving his post as President of the Turner Entertainment Group as part of a corporate restructuring that will eliminate his position. "This isn't necessarily how I would have scripted it, but I am enthused and excited about my future," Lazarus told THE DAILY this morning. "I've spent an entire career identifying gaps in the marketplace, building businesses and knowing how to make money." As part of the restructuring, Lazarus' direct reports, including Turner Sports President David Levy, now will report to TBS Chair & CEO Phil Kent.  Turner employees were told of the decision this morning via an e-mail from Kent.  Kent wrote, "For some time now, Mark and I have been talking about the future structure of the company.  In the new structure that I have decided upon, there was not a role of scale that Mark was interested in."

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD: Lazarus, who joined Turner Sales in '90, will leave the company officially in the next several weeks. He made a name for himself as President of Turner Sports from '99-'03. In his current role as President of Turner Entertainment Group, Lazarus oversees Turner Sports. Early speculation is that Lazarus will return to the sports business fold. "Sports is one of the avenues that I'm going to think about pursuing. I'm not sure what my future role will be, but I am excited to figure it out."